What Is a Court Opinion?
A court opinion is a written explanation by a judge or panel of judges that accompanies a ruling in a legal case. It outlines the facts of the case, the legal issues involved, the reasoning behind the decision, and the final judgment. Opinions may be majority, concurring, or dissenting.
Featured Recent Opinions
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022)
The Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, overruling Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and returning the authority to regulate abortion to the states.
Read Full OpinionStudents for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023)
The Court ruled that race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Read Full OpinionWest Virginia v. EPA (2022)
The Court limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate carbon emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act, invoking the “major questions doctrine.”
Read Full OpinionWhy Court Opinions Matter
Court opinions shape the interpretation and application of laws. They establish legal precedents that guide future cases, influence public policy, and define constitutional rights. Understanding these documents is essential for lawyers, scholars, policymakers, and engaged citizens.